SayNoToPistons

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, I know there's been an influx of threads on this car, but I promise this one is going to be different. Scion, Enkei, and Yokohama recently put together a tour with modified FR-S' around the country allowing consumers to test drive the FR-S on an AutoX set up. I was one of the lucky few that got a ticket to such event.


I was in for the 9:00AM session. Arrived at NJ's Metlife stadium's parking lot. Two huge Yokohama semi's and one had a tent set up for registration, and product marketing (tires, Enkei wheels, Scions). Three FR-S' were set up ready to run. They had RF01's and RPF1's on. Tires were mediocre summers - Yoko S-Drives in 225. Much better than the Prius stockers though. The FR-S' were running TRD springs and catback also. Unfortunately they were automatics.

Course set up was decent, though a slow AutoX course. Very narrow, which only allowed up to 40MPH. Cones through out the whole track, which made speed control much more intricate. It had also rained the night before, so the track was still damp. I had three runs, and by the third run, the course was dry and the tires were nicely scrubbed in and warm.

Well, cutting to the chase. The car itself. Looks very good in person, especially with the aftermarket wheels and wider tires. Interior is low-rent, but they did what they can with the placement of higher quality touch points. (dash, armrest, steering wheel, etc). Seats are very supportive. Tilt/telescoping steering wheel together with the low seating position and plenty headroom allowed for very good driving positions even with a helmet (keep in mind I am 5'10" and 170 lbs).

Handling is just as I've read. Agile and nimble. VERY reminiscent of Miata's I've driven. Steering is direct and quick. Though I find the steering to be way too light for the type of car it is, which I think made precise maneuvers slightly more intricate with the quick steering. All in all, the turn in of this car is what makes it shine. The rear will fall out slightly when pushed (abrupt off and on throttle). The front will understeer and plow when thrown in hard, but it is predictable and can be saved with ease. Great brake feel and bite. It lacks low end power for a 2.0 boxer, and even up top it won't snap any necks back. The automatic transmission is very quick and responsive as a conventional automatic. Engine note leaves a lot to be desired for even with the TRD catback. Nothing like the usual boxers from Subie. Reminded me of a regular econo straight 4.

To sum things up, it feels like a NC Miata with a hard top. Obviously the suspension is not as soft as a factory Miata. Both very precise and nimble. My only complaint as far as handling for FR-S (with TRD springs and S-Drives) is the light steering. It feels overly assisted (electronic) and with a car that is set up to be as quick as it is in response, a little weight would help. The motor, though adequate, it doesn't surprise. A no frills car that is nicely balanced. If I was to throw out the money to decide between an FR-S/BRZ, Miata, Genesis 2.0T, and Mustang V6. My top choices would be the FR-S/BRZ and Miata. I would probably give the Miata an upper hand because all it needs are some RX-8 sway bars and stickier tires to perfect its handling, and I much prefer the heftier steering. Not to mention the fun of having a convertible. I also discovered that the FR-S/BRZ's suspension arms are made of stamped and welded steel... Come on, Toyota/Subie...

Here are some pictures.








http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330036708/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330036708/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr



http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330035022/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330035022/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330039252/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330039252/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330040832/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330040832/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330037998/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330037998/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330033660/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330033660/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr


http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330031442/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330031442/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr



http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330032566/http://www.flickr.com/photos/saynotopistons/7330032566/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/saynotopistons/, on Flickr

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

Yep, when I see the radio, I still wanna puke..

LifeAfterRx8

iTrader: (17)

I still don't get why they didn't just keep it under Toyota as the FT-86 instead of Scion FR-S...